Food & Spirits for the Soul
Blackberry cobbler is a beloved dessert that captures the rustic charm of country kitchens and the essence of summer harvests. At its heart, it is a simple yet indulgent treat: ripe, juicy blackberries sweetened and baked beneath a tender, golden crust. The berries bubble into Read More
Super Spanish Gazpacho soup is a refreshing, chilled soup that originated in the southern region of Spain, particularly Andalusia. Here the hot Mediterranean climate made light, cold dishes both practical and appealing. Traditionally prepared with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, and Read More
Pupu Chicken is a beloved appetizer dish that captures the spirit of the islands with its sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The word pūpū in Hawaiian refers to any small dish served as an appetizer. It’s a staple at Hawaiian luaus, potlucks, and family Read More
Smoky Heritage Rib Rub: A Flavorful Tradition Mr. Sam’s rib rub is a savory blend of bold spices rooted in the time-honored traditions of American barbecue. It combines paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic, onion, cayenne, and other spices. It delivers a balanced profile of Read More
Pear and Brie Salad: A Sophisticated Seasonal Delight Pear & Brie Salad is a refined, flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the subtle sweetness and crisp texture of ripe pears. Typically served over a bed of mixed greens such as Read More
The Southern Belle Smash cocktail is a refined, garden-inspired drink. It evokes charm, hospitality, and summer elegance in every sip. This cocktail marries the warmth of the South with the freshness of mint and citrus. It is emphatically an elegant cocktail that is elegantly garnished Read More
The Golden Grove is a vibrant cocktail that bridges the comforting warmth of classic liqueurs with fresh, garden-inspired brightness. I created this cocktail after discovering that many people still enjoy Amaretto, and not just Amaretto Stone Sours. Built on a foundation of amaretto, this drink Read More
Refogado: The Heartbeat of Portuguese and Brazilian Cooking Refogado (pronounced heh-foh-GAH-do in Portuguese) is the savory base that gives life to countless dishes in Portuguese and Brazilian kitchens. Typically made by gently sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil or vegetable oil, refogado often includes Read More
German Suppengrun: Germany’s Green Foundation German Suppengrun (pronounced ZOO-pen-groon, meaning “soup greens” in German) is the classic German flavor base. Often, it is used much like mirepoix in French cuisine. It typically consists of carrots, leeks, and celeriac (celery root). It may also contain parsley, Read More
The Cajun Holy Trinity: Flavor at the Heart of the Bayou In the world of Cajun and Creole cooking, the Holy Trinity isn’t a religious reference (though it is treated with reverence). It’s the aromatic base of nearly every classic Louisiana dish: onions, bell peppers, Read More
Soffritto (pronounced soh-FREE-toh) is the heart and soul of Italian cooking. It is a gently sautéed mixture of aromatic vegetables, typically onions, carrots, and celery. It is finely chopped and cooked slowly in olive oil or butter until soft, sweet, and golden. It’s the base Read More
Creamy Potato Salad with Crab is a luxurious twist on a classic dish. It blends the heartiness of traditional potato salad with the delicate sweetness of crab meat. This dish combines boiled potatoes, often red or Yukon Gold for their buttery texture, with ingredients like Read More
BBQ Corn on the Cob is a beloved summer side dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh corn. It is enhanced by the smoky char of the grill and a variety of seasonings or toppings. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. It’s a Read More
Grilled Buttermilk and Herbed Chicken Thighs and Legs are a flavorful and tender take on classic grilled chicken. It combines the richness of buttermilk with the brightness of fresh herbs for a dish that is both rustic and refined. The preparation begins with a buttermilk Read More
Estonian lamb shanks, known locally as lambakoodid, represent a hearty and rustic component of the culinary heritage. While Estonia’s cuisine is often associated with pork and fish, lamb has traditionally been a delicacy. It is more common in the southern and island regions where sheep Read More
